dealers- do they tell the truth?

[roy chu1]

Hi Everyone,

I had the 90k service on Tuesday. a couple of problems which volvo said where wronge with the car. (v70 t5)

The anti-roll bar link are worn. They cost 40 pounds each roughly, can I find the same quality products cheaper anywhere else?

They said it is advised to replace these unless you wish to hear knocking. I did not hear knocking before the service but now I do. I feel like they have swapped the for actual worn ones. What do you think?

Another problem is that, they have stated that the clutch master cylinder is heavy and notchy. I took it to my friend ho used to work for volvo and he said it seemed fine.

They said the front brake pads are low about 4k left when they are just 2 and a hlf months old. My friend said I got at least 18k left in the pads.

Volvo also said that there is a brake judder in the rear. So therefor the disks and pads need to be changed on the back. My friend said he ouldn't feel any problems with this. I am confused so far.

Also volvo has said the brake fluid boiling point is 190, so they recommend a oil change. Please let me know on this one because it is better to be safe than sorry.

I am looking forward to your replies.

Thank You

Roy

Hmm do dealers tell the truth? Depends on the dealer I think. I've been to places in the past that have been very helpful (including the don't bother bringing that here as our parts are no different and it won't add value to your car ('90-'92 Golf Convertable when I went looking for info) down to 'YOu must let out mechanics fit this bit of rubber hose as its a specialist job' for a hose that just clipped on and off (The mechanic even shoed me how to replace - the parts manager wanted the extra work) from a Volvo garage.

As for replacing your anti roll bar links I really can't see them doing that due to work involved. When they tell you something you immediately start listening for stuff you would not have normally heard before.

Brakes I think are the biggest rip off in the car repair trade due to people simply saying 'My brakes are damaged? You'd better do whateveer you think is needs then!'. I've known a few people to have complete new brake systems for no reason before now, and have had someone try it on with me (you discs are very worn sir they really need changing before they crack and brake whilst trying to stop - discs weree about 4 weeks old). So if someone else has looked at them and said they are okay then decide who you trust most. ALternatively most brake shoes i've used in the past have 2 halves to them and the channel between is used for showing wear, when there is very little, or no channel you change the pads - don't know if volvo's have that though.

The brake discs, I have no idea! I know from reading here that 850 / v70's seem to have real problems with rear discs. Again look at your second opinion and decide who you trust most.

And for the fluid, what do they mean as it boils at 190degrees get the oil changed?

All in all, if you think your being ripped off get someone else to check and compare the 2 results.

Good luck (and make sure the stuff is safe..)

Stu

Brake judder has been covered in another post on the forum, and it is not an uncommon problem with the 850/70. It is not always noticed, it depends on your speed and how firm you press the pedal. I just had my discs and pads replaced all round as there was judder at times, now all is smooth.

The brake fuid should be changed every 2 years. What happens is that it absorbs water and is no longer hydraulic fluid that will work as intended. Because it has absorbed water the boiling point reduces and when you need firm brakes from speed, or you do a lot of braking, you get brake fade...no brakes...the pedal goes to the floor. This is because the fluid in the caliper has boiled and become vapour. Continued pressure on the pedal then compresses the vapour. That is why the pedal goes to the floor. It is the water in the fluid that causes this. This does not happen with silicone brake fluid.

Bob Isaac
bob@volvoclub.org.uk

[don kalmar union]

Dealers will often tell you anything to fit chargeable items. Particularly brake discs & pads.

Separately, I would say that the rear brakes on these cars (not AWD) are one of the very least troublesome areas as they do very little work.

Front brakes are an entirely different matter. Very often front brake judder is caused by the discs being warped by overtightening of wheels. Heavy use of these small front brakes on these heavy & powerfull cars is again another matter. If you drive these cars hard with standard spec brakes they will warp & wear. The only comprehensive answer is to fit a big brake kit if the wheel size will allow. The AP kit costs £1420 plus VAT plus fitting.... a lot of money, but the kit is superbly made and very effective. Halfway house is to consider drilled & grooved standard sized replacement discs (well made:not just those that are cosmetic) plus EBC Redstuff pads that seem to suit these cars with the smaller brakes

[pettaw]

Replace fluid every year if car has ABS, costs very little and as Bob says will stop any problems. You'll not only get fade if braking hard from speed, but moisture in old fluid will also corrode seals, meaning premature failure of calipers and master cylinder seals.